Today marks the grand launch of the “مهرجان العين لسباقات الهجن,” a vibrant celebration of camel racing in Al Ain. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Abu Dhabi Ruler in the Al Ain Region, this exciting festival promises to showcase the rich heritage and tradition of camel racing. Organized by the Racing Affairs and Camel Heritage Center and overseen by the Camel Racing Federation, the مهرجان العين لسباقات الهجن will unfold at the Al Rawda Racecourse and will run until October 9, 2025.
A Thrilling Schedule of Events
The مهرجان العين لسباقات الهجن features a dynamic program that includes three preliminary rounds taking place in July, August, and September. These initial rounds will culminate in a series of final challenges at the beginning of October, where outstanding camels and participants will be recognized and crowned. Over the course of the festival, an impressive total of 605 races will be held across various age categories of camels, ensuring a wide range of competitive opportunities for participants and spectators alike.
Attractive Prizes and Special Races
The organizing committee has dedicated significant financial prizes for participants throughout all races, enhancing the competitive spirit and incentivizing high performance. In addition, special races will be organized for symbols in each age category, adding another layer of excitement to the مهرجان العين لسباقات الهجن. These races not only foster competitive spirit but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage associated with camel racing in the UAE.
Support for Heritage and Community Engagement
Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President and head of the Camel Racing Federation, expressed his pride in launching the inaugural edition of this festival. He commended the wise leadership for their unwavering support of this essential national heritage and the generous patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is emphasized that the مهرجان العين لسباقات الهجن symbolizes a strategic step forward in the development of camel racing in the UAE, encouraging ownership and participation among the youth, thus ensuring the sustainability of Emirati heritage for future generations.